Our Rebel Era

Our Rebel Era

The Daily Times

September 26, 2026

Maryville parade brings school spirit downtown for homecoming

Maryville City Schools students, families and alumni filled downtown Maryville Thursday evening, Sept.

24, for Maryville High School’s homecoming parade and pep rally.

The parade traveled along Broadway before ending at the Maryville Greenway Amphitheatre, where students and supporters gathered to build excitement for the Red Rebels’ Friday night homecoming game against Hardin Valley. Floats featured an exclusively Maryville City Schools-related lineup.

Participants tossed candy, spectators cheered and school spirit took center stage.

Thursday’s downtown parade marked the second year since organizers moved the revived tradition downtown in 2025 as part of the high school football program’s centennial celebration. This year’s theme, “In Our Rebel Era,” played off singer Taylor Swift’s discography while celebrating programs and schools from across Maryville City Schools.

Maryville High School Principal Heather Hilton previously described the parade as more than a high school event, calling it a celebration of the entire school system and its connection to the surrounding community.

At the amphitheater, the Sam Houston Smoky Singers performed the national anthem before the pep

rally featured Maryville High School’s varsity cheerleaders and dance team.

The “Singing Swifties” of Montgomery Ridge Intermediate

School took home the award for the parade’s top float.

The rally capped the community portion of a homecoming week that also included spirit days, student activities and the school’s traditional homecoming football game.